Not yet recruitingObservational

Can bladder health predict kidney transplant success?

This study wants to understand if bladder problems that aren't obvious before a kidney transplant can affect how successful the transplant is. Many people needing a new kidney have issues with their bladder and how they pass urine, but these might not be noticed, especially if they no longer pee. After a transplant, these unnoticed issues could lead to infections, complications, or the new kidney not working as well. While doctors know this can be a problem, there haven't been many studies on it. This research in Glasgow aims to see how common these hidden bladder issues are and if they make problems more likely in the year after a kidney transplant. The goal is to improve how we check people's bladders before transplant to get better results for patients.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

Enrolment target

200

Start

20 Jul 2026

Estimated completion

20 Jul 2030

Kidney transplant, lower urinary tract symptoms, urological complications

What is this study about?

When someone needs a new kidney, they might have issues with their bladder or how they pass urine. Sometimes these problems aren't clear, especially if they're no longer passing urine. However, these hidden bladder issues can sometimes cause difficulties after a kidney transplant, such as infections or the new kidney not working as well as it should. Doctors who perform kidney transplants know this can be a problem, but there hasn't been much research to properly understand it.

This study wants to find out more. Researchers will look at how many people have undiagnosed bladder issues before their kidney transplant and if these issues are linked to problems in the year after the transplant. This includes looking at things like urinary tract infections, how well the new kidney works, and any other complications. By understanding this better, the researchers hope to find ways to improve care for people getting a kidney transplant.

The main aim is to see if we can predict who might have problems after transplant by checking their bladder health beforehand. This could help doctors to plan better care and potentially prevent complications, leading to better long-term success for kidney transplant patients.

Key takeaways

The study explores how bladder health before a transplant affects its success.
It aims to find hidden bladder issues and their link to post-transplant problems.
Participation involves asking questions and simple bladder checks over one year.
The study could improve future pre-transplant checks and patient outcomes.
Minimal risks are associated with bladder checks, such as slight discomfort or a very small infection risk.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult (18 years or older) who is having your very first kidney transplant in Glasgow. This applies whether your new kidney is coming from a living donor or someone who has passed away. You also need to be able to understand the study and agree to take part in writing.

There are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you've already had a kidney transplant before, or if you're having other major surgery on your bladder at the same time as your transplant. Also, if you've had your bladder rebuilt or changed in the past, or if you have memory or thinking problems that would make it hard for you to accurately describe your symptoms, you wouldn't be able to take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you having your first ever kidney transplant in Glasgow?
Can you understand the study information and agree to take part in writing?
Have you *not* had a kidney transplant before?
Are you *not* having other major bladder surgery at the same time as your transplant?
Have you *not* had your bladder rebuilt or significantly changed in the past?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll be involved in this study for about a year after your kidney transplant. Researchers will talk to you when you first join the transplant waiting list and again when you have your transplant. After your transplant, you'll have two follow-up visits: one at 6 weeks and another at 1 year.

During these visits, the researchers will ask you questions about your bladder and how you pass urine. You'll fill out some questionnaires, and they will also do some simple checks of your bladder function, such as measuring your urine flow. There are no medications involved in this study.

Potential risks and benefits

By taking part, you could help doctors better understand how to assess bladder health before a kidney transplant. This information might lead to improved care for future patients, potentially reducing problems like infections and helping new kidneys work better. Currently, different hospitals check bladders in different ways, so this study could help create a clear, agreed-upon approach. If a small tube (catheter) is needed to check your bladder, you might feel a little discomfort. There's also a very small chance of getting an infection from this. Remember, taking part is completely your choice, and you can withdraw from the study at any time without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
City only
Glasgow, Scotland

Common questions

What is a 'lower urinary tract'?

This simply refers to your bladder and the tube that carries urine out of your body (urethra).

Why is bladder health important for a kidney transplant?

A healthy bladder helps the new kidney work well and can prevent problems like infections after your transplant.

Will this study change my transplant care?

This study aims to gather information. Your transplant care will continue as planned by your medical team.

What happens to the information I provide?

Your information will be used for research purposes to help doctors understand more about kidney transplants and bladder health. Your privacy will be protected.

Can I still say no if I've said yes before?

Yes, absolutely. You can change your mind and leave the study at any time, and it won't affect your medical care.

How to find out more

Dhruv Satya Sahni

Dhruv.Sahni@glasgow.ac.uk +44 0141 451 6209 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.